Tag: beauty

During a busy work day and going through my countless emails, one from the holy grail of fashion and beauty publications caught my eye – Vogue’s newsletter, inviting beauty and wellness lovers to an evening at Endota Spa Paddington, including a Q&A with Edwina McCann, Vogue Australia Editor-in-chief.

I was all in and signed myself and my colleague up for what I hoped would be an evening of serious pampering, with a bit of inspirational chat from one of the best in the magazine world thrown in to boot.

I was not disappointed!

As soon as we walked through the door, I was met with what I can only describe as a wave of indulgent and relaxing aromas that instantly made all my work day worries wash away into a feeling of totally serenity. How is that spas have the magic way of doing this?!

We were greeted by the friendly staff, who had just the right balance of enthusiasm coupled with a lulling calm that made you never want to leave. After being escorted into the lounge area, some rather dishy young waiters (an added bonus and sorry I didn’t get a pic) served us little healthy treats and yummy green or orange juices. I had two juices by the way (so I could get double the goodness, obvs) and could feel all nutrients zinging away and reviving me. I must also give a special mention to the absolutely mouth-watering fruit platter, and yes, I got well and truly stuck into that too.

We were then ushered in for a bio face scan, which involved a hydration reading so they could ascertain what products might assist your personal skin needs. Luckily mine was more of a “maintain your skin as condition isn’t too bad”, as opposed to “it’s pretty haggard and you’re likely to need about x20 facials before we can get it back to any sort of normality.”

We were then treated to a heavenly little hand massage, and I bonded with my therapist, who it turns out was from North Wales originally! A little bit of home from home and a great natter added into the mix.

Upstairs is where the highlight of the evening really kicked off though, the Q&A with Edwina McCann, Vogue Australia Editor-in-chief. She talked about how she balances her own wellbeing, having a busy and sometimes stressful job alongside a family. Product wise, she couldn’t stop raving about an LED light treatment, which apparently gives skin a glow like no other, as well as improving serotonin levels. She was literally radiating a sense of calm, so it must be working.

Some further Googling later revealed the therapy is called – New Age Light Therapy:

Advanced endota spa New Age™ products infuse the skin to further plump and tone. The benefits Skin structure is improved. Skin is instantly rejuvenated, smooth and more youthful.

Might have to start saving for that one!

Edwina also spoke about how having resilience is probably one of the best lessons she’s taken from the people that have become or are successful.

They aren’t necessarily the best at what they do, but what sets them apart is that they don’t let the failures or stresses of life drag them down or make them crumble. They get up, dust themselves off, keep plodding onwards and gain the eventual rewards of reaching the upwards.

The above, along with the quote “This too shall pass,’’ meaning that in the midst of very stressful situations (for her, juggling motherhood and starting as the new Editor of two major publications) it’s important to keep the perspective that the storm will settle, eventually, were the two key takeaways that I took on board. Both inspiring and down to earth, with a flawless composure, it was a fantastic experience to be in an intimate setting and hear Edwina McCann speak.

Last but not least, we enjoyed a super short relaxing meditation, where we were all given a crystal. Ohhhhh so spiritual, I know, but in Sydney crystals are all the rage in the wellness world, I got totally on board. I chose Amethyst, its properties apparently include: healing powers to help with physical ailments and emotional issues, the curing of nightmares and insomnia, and balancing the crown chakra. I am a pretty light sleeper so any help in this department to cure those ‘shopping bags’ under my eyes wouldn’t go amiss.

The Endota spa philosophy, from what I gauged, is all about creating a haven for emotional replenishment. Their focus is on helping you reconnect with your best self through physical and emotional replenishment. Even after a two-hour event in the spa, I could totally see how this gorgeous haven of wellbeing was addictive!

The event was an excellent seller of the spa, backed up by the kudos of having Vogue on board to endorse it. So much so, I found myself in line queuing up to buy the, ironically, eye-wateringly pricey eye cream at the end, which I was recommended during my skin bio scan, so here’s hoping it really does cure those emerging crows- feet! A nice surprise at the till was that the price of our entry ticket was money off the product too, plus we did walk out the door with a jam packed goodie bag, including a wellness journal, so I didn’t feel too bad about splashing the cash.

The recommendation of a monthly facial, now I’m in my thirties eeeek, does seem a little hard to justify, but when one therapist highlighted that it just depends where you put your investment i.e. compared to expensive clothes, shoes, pricey coffees and countless smashed avo on toast brunches that satisfy only momentarily, you have your skin suit on for life. Well, she ain’t wrong there. Maybe it’s just about swapping out a few of those G&Ts and Espresso Martinis for a few more LED light facials?

Korean’s start their skincare regime at the tender age of 13 years old apparently, so we should probably take note, especially in the Aussie climate where the ozone layer is not so kind, and perhaps even more so for us ex-pat Brits, and our love of sunbathing which can cause the ageing process to accelerate – goodbye elasticity and collagen!

On that note, I’m off to deep cleanse my face and pop on the eye cream. Fingers crossed, in a week’s time I will emerge like a butterfly from a cocoon with the skin of a 20-year old!

Even if you’ve managed to catch some last-minute September sun, it’s most likely, like mine, your summer glow is long gone. According to media and beauty brands, it’s ok to be pale, tan is so 2006 anyway. Well, it might be, but somehow as a nation, we still crave that sun-kissed look: sales of fake tan products have rocketed by almost 40% in last two years!

As much as I would love to say that I’m happy to embrace my pale-going-translucent skin shade, I must admit – I love being tanned. Give me a week in the sun and my skin tone looks more even, blemishes have dried out and skin feels firmer (probably because it’s burnt = tight). Unfortunately, it’s only an illusion of a healthy glow – in reality, our body does not create a tan to be pretty, it’s a response to the mutations that occur in our DNA, which means the skin is being damaged on a cellular level. This can lead to the weakening of connective fibres (read: wrinkles and sagging), the aggravating of acne and the worsening of pigmentation.

Once the glow is completely gone and the tan fades, all imperfections that are caused by sun damage are suddenly more visible. Acne scars and dark spots are likely to be darker than they were before we spent all those hours in the sun.

Usually, November is my month of a ‘skin panic’. Do I desperately try to prolong my tan and carry on with a few cheeky sunbeds to get me through until early spring? Or do I just face the reality, and deal with the damage I caused by recklessly frying myself in a sun? At the age of 30, the second option seems like the right solution. How? Two words: CHEMICAL PEELS.

I am pretty sure every woman instantly thinks of Samantha’s bright red, burnt face from Sex and The City when hearing about chemical peels. However, this regenerative facial had its beginnings much earlier than the ’90s. Did you know? To exfoliate and brighten her sun-damaged skin, Cleopatra used to bathe in milk, which contains lactic acid and tone with wine that includes tartaric acid.

This old as hills treatment really does it all. Improves the texture of your skin and minor scarring, decreases hyperpigmentation, unclogs pores, helps clear up acne and reduces fine lines. And, it’s still one of the quickest and simplest facials out there. ‘A chemical peel consists of applying an exfoliating solution to the face, neck and decollete. It improves the appearance of the skin by removing the top layers of the epidermis in a controlled manner and accelerating cell turnover’, says Dr Krystyna Wilczynski, skin expert at Blush + Blow.

Depending on types of acids used, skin usually starts peeling 2-3 days after the treatment and within a week you are ready to party again. For best results, dermatologists recommend a course of 4-6 peels, every 2-3 weeks. ‘Chemical peels are great for autumn, as they brighten and refresh the skin greatly in anticipation of winter. It’s important to thoroughly protect your skin from the sun for 4 months after chemical peels, so autumn is, in fact, perfect for a course’, suggests Stefanie Williams, dermatologist and author of Look great, not done!

According to Dr Rabia Malik, an aesthetic doctor at Grace Belgravia, peels have been largely under-utilised in the UK. Even though their new formulations mean less downtime with quicker and better results: ‘Peels, particularly in combination with other modalities such as micro-needling, are a great way of stimulating one’s own collagen.’

Peel formulations have evolved over the years and we now have some very sophisticated options that combine different acids with other active ingredients including fruit enzymes and amino acids, to enhance efficacy. Correct combination peels mean that lower strength acids can be used to deliver the same results with comparatively less downtime. Newer formulations are often referred to as ‘metabolic’ peels – they don’t just strip the surface of the skin and leave your skin physically peeling off, but they stimulate new skin cells, are less inflammatory and result in ‘micro-peeling’ where old skin cells come away gradually and less noticeably, while delivering a better end result’.

Which peel is right for you?

The best way to choose the right peel is to seek advice from a specialist, as they will be able to tell which peel will work better for your skin type. However, if you don’t know where to go, we’ve peeled our skin at few places, so are on hand to give you some great recommendations – you’re welcome!

When applying Retinol, also known as vitamin A, to your skin, you help increase cell renewal and boost collagen production. It also slows the production of melanin and helps to reduce hyperpigmentation. The NeoStrata Retinol Peel contains 3% Retinol and a specially developed Retinol Boosting Complex™to reduce fine lines and promote a bright, even complexion.

If your skin looks dull and is in need of that ‘glow’ factor, then glycolic acid is your best option. With hardly any downtime and minimal redness, you can expect instant radiance, smoother texture and a brighter complexion.

This is a perfect choice for dry and sensitive skin. A combination treatment containing a pomegranate, papaya and pineapple enzyme peel base with a chirally correct lactic acid, followed by a hydrating mask infused with green tea, lemon peel extract and R-lipoic Acid. This treatment nurtures, treats and hydrates while soothing and brightening the skin.

This trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-based peel works to tighten loose skin and refine lines. TCA acid is a more effective and longer lasting than the sugar and citric acids, as it goes deeper into the dermis and can treat more skin problems. Recently, it has even been used by doctors to treat, remove and lighten tattoos!

I bloody love sharing a house with 4 girls; countless film nights in (usually with bubbles, let’s be honest), 3-hour long brekkie chats on Saturday mornings and clothes that circulate from room to room (you know, one person’s trash and all that). But there is one thing that is becoming a massive pain, especially lately: permanently blocked shower drains. Unfortunately, we’ve all noticed that we have been losing more hair than usual.

Let’s not panic yet though, according to scientists we are not going bold! Hair loss during cold months is completely normal. So here’s how it goes: your hair grows between 2 and 6 years. At any time, 90% of it is growing and only 10% is in a resting state for 2 to 6 months, before it finally falls out. The hair follicle then rests for approximately 3 months and the whole process starts again. According to researchers, we have the highest proportion of resting hairs in July and they start falling out around 100 days later, which means, now.

If you are like me and are a bit of a geek, then you probably want to ask – in the words of every 3-year old – ‘but, why?’ There are few theories… some scientists think that this seasonal hair loss is occurring to protect the head from harmful UV rays in summer by holding onto hair longer and releasing them once it’s cloudier. Others believe that this pattern might be evolutionary and it’s something we’ve inherited from our furrier ancestors.

In addition, according to doctors, when the temperature drops our body focuses on keeping blood going to the vital organs first, leaving the hair follicles to become its least worry, as we don’t need it to survive.

As you can see, we can’t really stop this process. However, there are things we can do to make sure our hair is in top condition all year round. We’ve asked Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist and Hair Care Expert at Philip Kingsley to share her top tips with us:

Keep it clean

You cleanse and moisturize your face in the morning with products for your skin type, so start your day by shampooing and conditioning your hair with products formulated for your hair texture. Physiologically, hair health is closely interlinked to scalp health, so frequent shampooing cleans and optimizes the scalp environment. In addition, clean hair also reflects light much better than dirty or coated hair.

Go halfway up

One of the most common causes of limp hair we see is an incorrect application of conditioner. Only apply conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends, where the hair is older and it’s needed the most. If you use it too close to your roots you will simply weigh them down.

Look at your diet

At least once a day we have someone sitting in our consultation room professing they are eating an incredibly healthy diet. They do not snack and have fresh fruit for breakfast followed by a salad for lunch with a bit of chicken or fish. While this may be fine for your body, it’s simply not enough for your hair – and the wrong diet is a very common cause of excessive daily hair loss.

While hair is incredibly important to us psychologically, physiologically our body could not care less. Any nutrients ingested first go to essential systems, with hair (a non-essential tissue) receiving whatever is left over. To help ensure you are in-taking adequate nutrients for hair growth, eat at least 120g of protein at breakfast and lunch as hair is made primarily of protein (think: eggs, fish, beans, nuts, cheese). Energy to form hair cells drops four hours after eating, so if longer than this is left between meals, snack on a nutrient dense carbohydrate, such as fresh fruit or whole grain crackers.

Brush it… up!

Incorrect detangling can cause a lot of breakages, which can lead to thinner mid-lengths and ends. To detangle, start at your ends and gradually and gently work your way up. Brushing from the top can worsen tangles and snap strands.

Colouring done right

Colouring your hair can give it depth and warmth. Highlights may also make fine or thinning hair appear thicker as they add texture and swells strands. You just have to ensure that the benefits of colouring are not negated by damage. Try not to process your hair more than every 8 weeks, or you will notice your hair overlapping and breaking. To keep your hair healthy in-between colour, use a weekly intensive pre-shampoo conditioning treatment. However, there is no evidence to suggest that colouring hair causes it to fall out more, or lead to thinner hair diameters.

There is no way back, winter is here, and as much as we love cosy jumpers and Christmas markets, it’s actually the most challenging season for our skin. Debbie Thomas, celebrity facialist and founder of D.Thomas clinic explains, “it doesn’t like the contrasting temperatures of centrally heated buildings and the cold outdoors – both of these environments are drying and the chopping and changing of temperatures affect the barrier function of the skin”.

Unfortunately, once the barrier stops working properly, no matter how much moisturiser you whack on, it simply evaporates without nourishing the skin cells properly. Damn.

“This is usually the point when most people would reach for an oil or a thick greasy cream, don’t! These actually further compromise your barrier function and confuse your skin. It does not use oils to nourish itself – it needs water instead, and the only way to really get water into the skin is from the inside out”, says Debbie.

When you slather greasy or oily products on the surface of your skin, you trick it into thinking that it doesn’t need moisture, so it stops absorbing water from the body.

Debbie states, “face oils and heavy creams basically plump the soft, dead layers on the surface of the skin, as well as the starved, dehydrated, living layers that are deeper in the skin”.

Think about how after a while, your skin stops responding to your cream and you either feel that you need to apply it more regularly or get a thicker cream to get rid of the tight, uncomfortable feeling. “This is because the skin is becoming more dehydrated with each application. I often find that oils also agitate conditions like Rosacea, perhaps because of the deeper dehydration that can also weaken the skin”, Debbie explains.

So what’s a girl gotta do to keep the summer glow all year round? Simply follow Debbie’s five golden rules:

Include an exfoliation using chemicals, not physical exfoliation, in your daily skincare routine. Sound harsh? It doesn’t need to be! A chemical exfoliant covers everything, from mild fruit enzymes, like papaya, to stronger natural acids like glycolic, as well as retinol-based products. These can all help with the shedding of excessive dead skin, allowing your topical products to penetrate deeper and promoting healthy skin function. Don’t overdo it though, the last thing you want is a red irritated face.

Invest in a serum

I really promote active serum based skincare. I don’t use any creams myself, instead, I just layer 2-3 serums daily. You need to find the serum that has the right ingredients for you; whether it’s hydrating hyaluronic acid, growth factors, resurfacing acids or peptides – serums are packed with more concentrated active ingredients which treat and correct the skin. I recommend Bioeffect serums to everyone – it’s both, nourishing and anti-ageing.

Repair with building blocks

If your skin is flaking, irritated and dry then you need to repair the barrier function, and products containing ceramide are perfect for this. I recommend SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Repair. It’s the perfect balance of lipids that will help repair the barrier function and retain essential moisture. If your skin is oily or acne prone, try Medik8’s Beta Moisturise, the probiotics in it also show skin health-boosting properties.

It might be cold, but…

Sun protection is needed all year-round – UVA sun rays are not filtered out by clouds. Good quality products can also protect you from infrared damage caused by computer screens as well as protecting you from the ageing. I highly rate PCA’s sun creams – they have many skin boosting formulations, including very light, oil-free ones which are endorsed by the skin cancer foundation.

Now that Fashion Week is over, it’s time to take a look at what beauty trends we will be going crazy for in 2018. As seen at the Moschino, Mugler, Marc Jacobs and Chanel shows, graphic liner is set to be the next big thing in make-up. Whether it’s the classic ’60s ‘cat-eye’ look or a rectangle colour line high on the upper eyelid; to get in on the action you’ll need a steady hand, a light touch and a selection of hero beauty products. Ready?

Step 1: start from the skin

Applying an eyeliner to puffy, dehydrated or wrinkly skin can be a recipe for disaster. So before you draw attention to your eyes get them party-ready with the right skincare products. It’s important to look for ingredients that have potent antioxidants, which protect from free radical damage and promote collagen production, for example, Hyaluronic Acid. It helps to smooth the surface of the dry skin, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrates and firms.

These innovative eye patches promise to repair, rejuvenate and replenish the crow’s feet in 28 days by using micro-channelling technology and specially formulated hyaluronic acid serum to penetrate to the deeper layers. Welcome to the future, where science meets beauty!

Step 2: make it last with an eye primer

Apply an eyeshadow primer to create a colourless, smooth canvas that will not only help your eyeliner glide on easily but also guarantee that the line stays in place all day. Without it, greasy eyelids can cause shadows and eyeliner to get that “creased” effect after few hours. Nothing worse than smudged, panda eyes that make you look exhausted!

This creamy mousse texture gives a comfortable feeling and leaves an invisible, feather-light veil that will cover any signs of tiredness without drying your eye area. We can confirm, your graphic liner will stay in place all day, untouched.

Step 3: Brighten your look

This is the job for an under-eye concealer. But be careful when choosing one – the concealer you use to hide under-eye darkness is not the same one you use to hide blemishes.

Go for orange or peach tones to combat the darkness under your eyes, which usually has some purple to it. Pick one shade lighter than your skin to create a wide-awake look. Dot a tiny bit of a product to the inner corners of your eyes – that will instantly brighten up the whole eye area . To blend it in, use your ring finger, as it’s your weakest and will apply just the right amount of pressure, without pulling and stretching a delicate skin around your eyes.

A light, reflective formula is what you’re looking for – this one is made of 32% of water, blends easily and contains flexible pigments that blur imperfections. Perfect for those who are not 20 anymore (ahem!) and struggle with mimic lines.

Step 4: Here comes… the eyeliner

Perfect winged eyeliner seems like a mission impossible sometimes. But, like with everything else in life, practice makes perfect. If you are a beginner with shaky hands, then go for a more forgiving pencil. Start by making dots along the upper lid and simply connect them. Don’t go all the way to your tear duct – your eyes water naturally during the day and you will end with smudged eyeliner.

However, to achieve a graphic line or a perfect flick, go for a liquid version. A felt tip pen gives you the highest chance to create smudge proof, precise line, even if you are not a pro yet.

This new baby from Urban Decay does it all, it volumises and lengthens while perfectly separating eyelashes, the brand promises it to be sex-proof too (we’re yet to try!). We are also big fans of the brush – it grabs on to all those short lashes.

It can help you make friends, win that job, pull that hot guy or even get you a free coffee at Pret. A beautiful, beaming smile makes you look happier and appear more attractive – it’s your golden ticket to success.

According to the British Dental Association, teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure in the UK, but before you spend hundreds on whitening strips, toothpaste and treatments, how about starting with your diet. Bacteria absorbed from food can not only leave stains and yellowing, it can also cause tooth decay, so we’ve asked our experts to tell us what to eat to perfect that million-dollar smile.

Studies show that eating cheese can raise the pH level in your mouth and reduce the chance of tooth decay. It also contains calcium, which is fantastic for enamel strength.

Pumpkin seeds

Packed with nutrients and vitamins, they contain zinc, iron and magnesium which strengthen tooth enamel and prevents decay.

Green Tea

It has been known to reduce bacteria and the toxic products they produce in the mouth. Tea is also rich in fluoride – the most well know tooth strengthener.

Broccoli

Raw broccoli (instead of steamed or roasted) can act as a natural toothbrush to remove external staining on teeth. It also contains high levels of iron, which can help reduce acid erosion leading to the discolouration of teeth.

Strawberries

They are not only low in calories and perfect for snacking but also contain malic – a natural tooth whitener!

The nation’s favourite snack is full of starch that turns into sugar in the mouth. This then gets trapped between the teeth and creates bacteria which causes plaque, so always be sure to floss after indulging.

Popcorn

It can get stuck in the tiny spaces between your teeth causing a build-up of plaque.

White bread

It contains simple carbohydrates including sugar which dissolves in the mouth, which then creates erosive acids when you chew. Rinse with a mouthwash after consuming and use dental floss to prevent build-ups.

Tomatoes

They are surprisingly acidic, which can cause tooth erosion and damage to the enamel. If eating them raw, always consume with other foods such as in a salad, as this will not directly expose your teeth.

Balsamic vinegar

It’s deeply pigmented and full of acid, so will stain the teeth and cause erosion. Drink a glass of water after you eat anything containing vinegar to help clear any lingering acids.

It’s the first thing in the morning, your alarm goes off and in a zombie-like state, you prise yourself out of bed. If you’re anything like us, once you’ve avoided the urge to hit snooze, you head straight to the kitchen – it’s coffee time.

Coffee IS good for you! It’s rich in antioxidants which can boost your brain power, help lower risks of type 2 diabetes and it’s a powerful energiser. It also makes for a great exfoliator…

Here at YSV, we’re all big fans of pampering, and like any pampering process, exfoliation is a must (professional tanners over here). More and more beauty brands are turning to coffee as their main exfoliating ingredient – no surprise really, caffeine is cellulite’s number 1 enemy. Another reason why coffee is a popular scrubbing choice is that it’s natural. Not a plastic bead in sight.

We’ve chosen our top 3 scrubs to get you feeling revitalised; so banish the microbeads and choose coffee instead, it’s kinder to your skin, better for the environment, and you’ll love that uplifting hit in the shower. What’s not to love?

Siblings William and Anna Brightman founded Optiat in April 2016, after a series of events led to them conceiving the idea of a body scrub created with used coffee grounds. William explains:

“Having received a cafetiere for Christmas, I began making my own morning coffee. However, I realised that post-brewing, the freshly brewed grounds had to be thrown away. With more than 55 million cups of coffee drunk every day in the UK, this represents a big waste problem. Indeed, it turns out that more than 500,000 tonnes of coffee grounds are sent to landfill every year in the UK alone! I saw an opportunity to change this.”

What do we say?

Tried and tested by YSV’s editors, this nourishing scrub genuinely leaves your body feeling silky. Leave on for a few minutes before rinsing off for super smooth results. They are great for gifting too so if you’re stuck for stocking filler ideas, these scrubs are the answer!

Whenever I pass a man on the street who is wearing the 90s classic, CK Obsession aftershave, my mind flashes back to my very first boyfriend. A whiff of freshly baked doughnuts and I am instantly transported to my grandma’s flat, where we used to eat warm, rose jam doughnuts on Sundays. Everyone has certain scents that take them back in time, proving there’s a strong connection between smells, emotions, and memories.

For some reason, smells can trigger memories faster than words, pictures or even sounds. Dr Becky Spelman, a psychologist at Private Therapy Clinic says, “as babies, we come into this world with blurry vision, poor coordination, and an inability to interpret the sounds we hear around us. We are guided to our mother’s breast through the sense of smell, which is perhaps the most fundamental of all our senses. As we grow and develop we learn how to speak, listen and gain an understanding of the world through touch, sight, and hearing. Our sense of smell seems to become less important, and yet, smell more than anything can evoke a memory and a strong emotional response as it’s linked to our instincts and the days when we relied on our mothers for everything”.

According to scientists, smells go into the emotional and memory part of the brain, whilst words go into thinking part. This could explain why memories brought back by smells feel nostalgic rather than specific and detailed.

Dr Spelman adds, “our memories tend to hook highly emotional moments onto smells which can trigger all of those feelings whenever they are encountered. These strong experiences will meld with their associated scents, and every time you encounter those scents, you will be assailed with memories”.

What smells trigger memories the most?

So how can we trigger the greatest memories from the past? Is there just one unique fragrance or smell? Nick Gilbert, fragrance expert at Olfiction says, “every single person is different, with their own scent associations based on their own experiences and memories. So it’s not that any particular notes tend to be more impactful to the majority of us”.

However, there are smells that most of us will associate with our happy childhood. Erica Moore, fragrance evaluator at Fragrances Of The World explains, “certainly, we can generalise that the smell of vanilla, for example, which is most commonly associated with baking, cooking and sweet food such as chocolate will provide positive scent memories. Cut grass, coffee, fairy floss (or sugar) and wood-smoke are also notes that rate highly as preferred scents. Perfumers and marketers often weave these notes into fragrances to appeal to happy childhood”.

Lots of us have strong relationships with older, classic fragrances just because our parents or grandparents wore them. “Children from the 60’s may recall their parents smelling like patchouli, 70s children may have a similar experience with fragrances such as Charlie and 80s children will no doubt smell Opium or Lou Lou from the next suburb”, says Moore.

There is no doubt, smell associations are really powerful. “When I used to sell perfume, a lady came into the store and sprayed Youth Dew onto a card and almost instantly burst into tears. I just gave her a big hug and let her cry, and eventually, she told me her mother used to wear it and she had died a few weeks ago” says Nick.

We all need sleep to re-energize ourselves, but 8-hour ‘beauty’ sleep is also important to restore skin. Nothing screams ‘another sleepless night’ more than dark circles and a tired, dull complexion.

‘When you sleep, your body goes into repair mode. It allows your skin to restore and rebalance itself. Levels of adrenaline drop and the body will start to produce the growth hormone – this is when the repair and growth processes kick in’, says leading Oculoplastic Surgeon and Aesthetic Doctor, Maryam Zamani.

You might be finally switching off and getting ready to sleep but your skin is just waking up: it’s time for a cell renewal and regeneration! That’s why this is also the best moment to give it all support it needs to recharge. With this in mind, we’ve chosen our top 5 overnight skincare products which all work their magic once the lights go down…

This two-step overnight treatment is packed with plumping ingredients so you can wake up, looking fresh and glowy. Green Coffee provides an instant hydrating recharge that reduces the appearance of fine lines and charges the skin with essential vitamins while Hyaluronic Acid and Green Algae provide intense hydration during your dream cycle. Your two steps to that red-carpet-ready complexion.

The eye area is where you can first see the signs of ageing as well as effects of sleepless nights. This little gem contains ferulic acid ( a potent antioxidant) and retinol that re-texture skin for a firmer-looking skin while also improving the look of dark circles, fine lines, and sagging.

Created by Dr Maryam Zamani, this refining mask instantly brightens dull and tired-looking skin, smooths lines and target pigmentation. A 10% concentrate fruit acid complex stimulates cell turnover, refines pores and helps to eliminate pigmentation to brighten and restore luminosity. Thanks to its subtle smell and luminous texture you can now transform your bathroom into the most luxurious SPA, every night.

Tiny capsules, huge results! This powerful recovery concentrate calms the look of irritated, stressed skin and strengthens its barrier thanks to ChronoluxAI technology. Its rich formula based on plant oils and antioxidant-rich plant extracts are ideal for those with dry and thin skin. The Advanced Night Repair range has been around since the eighties and it’s still one of the best-selling overnight treatments out there. That says it all!

Here at YSV, we’re all for shouting about awesome women, especially those like us; in their early thirties, London-living, career-minded and juggling a multitude of passions and side hustles. So naturally, after reading about Bridget (founder of Blush + Blow – Fulham’s hottest blow-dry and beauty bar) in the likes of Harper’s Bazaar & Grazia, we HAD to chat to her…

YSV: So, how did Blush & Blow begin – does the salon have something that sets it apart? What was the moment you realised you wanted to embark on launching your own business?

Bridget: With a background as a makeup artist and blow dry enthusiast I realised a gap in the market for a Blowdry bar with a full beauty offering. There are lots of wonderful blow dry bars in London, as well as many amazing beauty salons, but none that have combined their offering, and so Blush + Blow was born. I realised that launching my own business was going to be the only way I would be able to work in an environment that was customer focussed, technically great and satisfied the gap in the market. Blush + Blow is somewhere you can go for a fun, friendly, and professional experience with you, the customer, at the centre of our focus.

YSV: Who was a big part in helping you launch the salon? Who inspired you?

Bridget: My father is my true inspiration. He has taught me how to be a girl boss and held my hand every step of the way. Given that I work in the beauty industry, it’s not hard to surround yourself with women in business and through osmosis, I have become a big believer in empowering woman both in business and by making them feel sassy with every visit they pay us. Jess Psaila who runs our PR agency, Gloss + Glow, is another support that I couldn’t do without. Her belief in my brand and tireless effort at growing it has been humbling!

YSV: You literally do everything, is multi-pampering something your clients do? Come in for hair, nails and beauty all in one hit?

Bridget: Totally! We always try to find out why our clients are with us for their visit. There are generally three answers: to be pampered, to escape their lives or to be in and out ASAP. For the latter, we are able to do blow dries and manis, lashes and waxing and makeup and hair all at the same time. We get that there are lots of busy girls out there so we try to limit their time with us so that they can get in, get glammed and get out into the big bad world to slay it with great hair and sparkly nails!

YSV: How do you use social media? Do you find it has had an impact on your success?

Bridget: Social media is hard to ignore in any industry, especially the beauty industry, so keeping my finger on the pulse is so important to make sure you are getting noticed through an informative, attractive and different news feed. I do love Instagram, to the dismay of my poor boyfriend, who has reluctantly given in to being an Instagram husband.

YSV: What was the best piece of advice you ever got? And, the worst?

Bridget:

The best piece of advice I was ever given was that I get to decide how to react to anything in life, with friends or men. It is so empowering to be able to master that!

The worst was being told that I could pull off a bob hairstyle.

YSV: You have been featured in some top publications; from Harper’s Bazaar to Grazia and Metro! Give us the lowdown on your most favourite client/job.

Bridget: My most memorable and therefore favourite client I ever had was actually when I worked on the counter at Chanel. I will never forget her! She was middle-aged and had never had her makeup done by anyone before. She was the sort of person who had the wrong colour foundation and a few samples from magazines floating around in her makeup bag. She was going out for lunch with a friend who convinced her to pop into Chanel. I chatted away whilst I did her face and when it came to the big reveal, she couldn’t believe how beautiful she felt. The feeling of being beautiful is all that matters, regardless of how you look to anyone else. She came back at the end of my shift that day and told me that she was approached by 2 separate strangers that afternoon who told her she had the most beautiful smile. I was so touched by how I had affected her confidence. The magazines are great but ultimately I get the biggest kick from making women feel invincible and sassy!

YSV: When you’re not working, where do you like to hang out in London?

Bridget: Growing up in South Africa I am used to being able to do everything outside so when the weather is good I take advantage of it and take my dog out to Wimbledon common for a walk in the summer months. In winter you will find me in a pub with a roaring fire and a glass of red wine.

As an ex-makeup artist and absolute beauty geek from my early teenage years, I dread to think how many bottles of foundation I have actually tried in my life. I also happen to be the ‘lucky’ owner of oily and acne-prone skin, which means I’ve spent years caking on layers of powdery formulas thinking that’s the key to great looking skin.

Now, being in my 30s, all I want from my foundation is a natural glow, that ‘no make-up’, ‘I woke up like this’ look. I haven’t found ‘the one’ yet, but I’ll know a good one when I get my hands on it! (just to be clear, I am still talking about make-up, not men… ahem). Let the search begin… (again, still talking about foundations here, ahem)

So, to save you time and money, I’ve put together the top foundations available out there to get you that radiant skin (and I want them all!). You’re welcome…

Packed with skin-boosting ingredients like Pink Silk Tree Extract and Caffeine, the multitasking formula also rejuvenates and re-energizes skin, while helping to protect it with a moisture-infused anti-pollution barrier and high-level SPF.

Why do I love it?

Cushion compacts are game-changing for many reasons. This one is not only very convenient to use ‘on the go’ but also its liquid formula gives you a very natural finish. Bonus: it doesn’t settle into fine lines.

This new Lingerie de Peau foundation is using the Aqua Plump technology. It acts on the water channels in the cells, distributing water evenly over the entire surface and at the heart of the epidermis to boost hydration. A long-wear polymer adjusts to the curves of the face to lastingly protect makeup from sweat, sebum and water.

Perfect for moisturising, this new foundation has less weight and gives you that fabulous “no make-up, make-up” look.

Why do I love it?

Guerlain products are what we call ‘high tech beauty’. You can always be sure all ingredients have been tested and won’t do any harm to your skin. With this foundation, your skin will actually feel hydrated and plumped.

This is Laura’s longest wearing foundation of flawless full coverage and 15 hours of wear fused into one weightless mesh formula. High-performance wear that’s sweat, humidity, water and transfer resistant. Colour stays true all day and won’t oxidise. Instant oil control, immediately and throughout the day. Matte finish that is never dull, flat or cakey.

Why do I love it?

We’ve never thought you can have your cake and eat it: natural glow AND a matte finish. Thanks to Laura’s new baby you won’t have to top up with a powder to take the shine away. No idea how they did it but we are loving the look!

Born This Way is an oil-free foundation that diffuses the line between makeup and skin. For coverage so undetectable, you can’t see the makeup and you can’t see imperfections— all that’s left is naturally radiant skin. It’s infused with a potent combination of Coconut Water to naturally replenish moisture levels; nature’s resilient Alpine Rose to brighten the skin’s appearance and promote elasticity and Hyaluronic Acid for a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Why do I love it?

Massive brownie points for ingredients – both Hyaluronic Acid and Coconut Water can help with hydration. It blends in easily and one layer is enough to cover your imperfections. Impressive!

This high-end foundation is the most breathable foundation on the market, with a combined 160 years of expertise behind its revolutionary formula. It has real skin care benefits, provides flawless coverage and delivers an unparalleled, oxygen-enriched formula that allows the skin to breathe more than any other foundation brand.

The prime ingredient in the product is pro-healing, patent-pending CeravitaeTM a super-charged oxygen complex that promotes collagen cell production and connective tissue growth to promote youthful and smooth skin. It is also natural Aloe Barbadensis gel based (not water-based like most foundations, that often attract bacteria to the skin), which provides anti-bacterial qualities, while astringently removing dead surface cells.

Water resistant, smudge-proof and so good for the skin that sleeping in it will not aggravate it. Next time you ‘forget’ (read: pass out) to take your make up off after a night out, you won’t have to feel guilty anymore!

With a demi-matte finish and light-diffusing spheres to help blur imperfections and wrinkles and look like you’ve been professionally retouched, this buildable formula perfectly complements your complexion and provides medium to full coverage with a flawless finish.

Urban Decay loaded this oil- and paraben-free formula with nourishing ingredients: anti-wrinkle peptides, Litchiderm™ (derived from lychee fruit) to protect skin from dehydration, stress and aging, Sodium hyaluronate that holds and attracts water for smoother, softer, more youthful-looking skin and Japanese green tea and vitamin E to fight free radicals and promote collagen production.

Why do I love it?

It’s easily buildable so you can go from a very light to full coverage, without looking like you’re wearing a mask. It also comes in 24 shades, so no more tanned face/white neck situ!

If you are a woman in your late 20s or 30s, chances are, you’ve tried hundreds of skincare products in your lifetime already.

Every season we are bombarded with new trends. In the last few years, we’ve gone from being obsessed with hot cloth cleansing and whacking coconut oil on our faces and hair, to spending hundreds on snail serums. Surely, all those changes can’t be any good for our now overloaded and confused skin.

So, what SHOULD we do when it comes to our skincare routine? We’ve asked 3 of the UK’s top experts to share their top tips with us:

Stop over-exfoliating

“Although it’s crucial to remove dead skin cells to speed up cell renewal and to stop skin looking dull, using a heavy scrub too often can damage skin the skin’s protective barrier. This can lead to premature ageing and can leave skin very sensitive. Swap your scrub for a chemical exfoliant such as Glycolic Acid instead that will plump whilst buffing away dead skin. Start by using it a few times a week and build up to daily use to minimise the risk of irritation” suggests Dr Stefanie Williams, dermatologist and founder of Eudelo clinic.

Don’t forget about your neck

Debbie Thomas, celebrity facialist says, “The neck and décolletage are just as important as the hands and face as these delicate areas are often exposed to the sun and free radicals. Regular application of a targeted cream to these areas with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides can help plump and eradicate signs of ageing. Don’t forget to apply SPF to these areas as they are often forgotten!”

What’s mine is mine

According to Dr Maryam Zamani, leading aesthetic Doctor and founder of MZ Skin, “when buying/using eye make-up products, it’s important not only to keep your cosmetics clean but also to not share them! Toss old makeup and do not use mascara that have dried out. Try to use the mascara 1 mm away from the base of the lash so that it’s only on the lash, not the root of the lash. Be careful with the colour of the eye products, particularly if you are using any reds – they often contain significant allergens.”

Gone are the oil days

Coconut, rosehip, castor, argan … you name it, we’ve tried it. But are oils really worth the hype? “Oils are an unnecessary addition to a skincare regime. Instead find a serum containing Hyaluronic or Lactobionic Acid that will work to infuse skin with moisture and encourage skin to hydrate itself, leaving long-lasting results,” says Dr Stefanie.

Not taking makeup off before bed

Dr Stefanie explains, “Overnight, skin goes through an intensive regeneration process and a layer of makeup, or otherwise unclean skin, will clog pores. You’ll wake up with tired and dull looking skin!”. If it becomes a habit on Saturday night, you will regret in future. “This damage may not show up instantly but accumulate and promote early signs of ageing”, adds Debbie.

Can’t touch this!

Unless you are a skincare expert, keep your hands away from those pesky spots. “Not only will squeezing spread bacteria to other areas of the face but, if done incorrectly, will push the bacteria into the spot further down, often causing infection. Instead, try using a salicylic acid product or pressing a warm, clean damp cloth over the area and, if the whitehead is ready, it will pop by itself” Dr Stefanie recommends.

Never forget to apply eye cream! “Eyes are often the first area that shows signs of ageing and so twice daily application of eye cream is a must”, Debbie adds.

Using too hot water

Although steamy hot showers can be a wonderful pleasure, they can have a negative effect on your skin. Dr Stefanie says, “Very hot water can strip skin of its protective oils, leaving it dry and tight”.

Not using sunscreen

The one thing everyone should be doing is applying an SPF daily. It’s crucial to protect skin all year round to maintain a youthful complexion and to keep pigmentation at bay. Debbie explains, “It’s important for all skin, ageing or otherwise, to be protected from the sun by use of an SPF and an Antioxidant serum. Up to 80% of skin ageing is caused by UVA damage! I always recommend an SPF 30 Daily and SPF 50 if you’re outside for the day. Although this won’t correct any existing ageing, it’s the best way to protect skin from future ageing.”

Sleep is the answer

Sleep deprivation wreaks havoc not only on your mind and body but also on your skin. Dr Maryam explains, “Chronic sleep deprivation can cause premature ageing because of the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. It can break down collagen, an essential protein in the skin that creates suppleness and elasticity. Too much cortisol causes sallow, lacklustre skin and makes fine lines and wrinkles more prominent”.

HERO ingredient

If you are going to invest in one product, choose the one with retinol. Debbie says, “It can penetrate all the layers of the skin, prompting fast cell turnover and exfoliation. In turn, it helps to repair photo-ageing, brown spots, reduce the appearance of large pores, smooth skin and boost collagen production. Retinol is a very active ingredient and can cause some irritation when first used, so start with every 2nd or 3rd night for 2-4 weeks then use it every other night, and when comfortable, use every night.

Getting, and looking older is always at the top of our discussion list (the prosecco-fuelled weekends probably don’t help), so anything – be it surgical or non-surgical – to help us fight the hands of time is always a win in our eyes. We’re obsessed with the latest beauty hacks, getting enough sleep (well, except at the weekend!) and how to make the most of what we’ve got.

In the market for Botox? Finally, want to give in to teeth whitening? We say go for it. If it makes you feel better about yourself then why not make fewer trips to the pub and turn those drinking tokens into beauty tokens – the after-effects will be so much more rewarding than a hangover, that’s for sure.

Once the funds are saved, choosing the right procedure and clinic is a MUST, so if you’re treating yourself to new dentist work or a subtle lip-filler, then treat yourself right and DO YOUR RESEARCH. Enter Dr Krystyna… a fully qualified dentist with a passion for cosmetic dentistry, Botox and dermal fillers. As a member of The British Dental Association, the Royal College of Surgeons Faculty of Dental Surgery and the International Team for Implantology, she is trusted professional.

We wanted to pick her brains about why choosing a dentist for facial aesthetics is always the best route…

YSV: How did it all begin?

Dr K:Being a dentist was always my passion, both my parents were dentists and they inspired me to study the profession myself. Once I had finished my dental degree and began working in practice, I realised I was able to expand and pursue other avenues within the profession. I naturally gravitated towards facial aesthetics and cosmetics because I wanted to be able to offer people a service that enhanced their appearance. I find it very satisfying to offer my patients opportunities to advance both their dental and facial cosmetic issues and improve their personal confidence as a result.

Dr K: The truth is dentists are actually ideally placed to perform facial aesthetics treatments since we have undergone 5 years of undergraduate training focusing solely on the face! The intensive training and education of a dental degree give the most specialised understanding and surgical skills to undertake facial cosmetic treatment. We have an in-depth knowledge of oro-facial anatomy: musculature, blood supply, neural supply and function so can be precise with the application of cosmeceuticals and neurotoxins. We can fully control and remove pain through anaesthesia. Risk factors are also minimised through the technical skill of dental training with empathy and sensitivity to provide the best care for every patient being ideally met in a dental practice environment.

YSV: Any advice for someone looking to embark on facial aesthetic treatment?

Dr K:My advice is to take the time to find a reputable practitioner who is appropriately qualified. Ensure the clinic is clean and safe, and the materials used are licensed and registered. Worryingly, there are a lot of fake clinics which could lead to disastrous consequences. Would you really want to risk it for a cheap deal?

YSV: What treatments do you offer?

Dr K:The Dr.Krystyna clinics offer a wide range of high quality, bespoke dental cosmetic and facial aesthetic treatments. Tooth whitening, Invisalign clear braces and composite tooth bonding are all available to get you to that winning smile. Botox/Anti-wrinkle and dermal filler to treat all areas of the face and neck to give people a more natural, youthful appearance or to enhance one’s lips, cheeks or chins. I also can use botox to combat excessive underarm sweating and jaw clenching habits!

YSV: What’s the diff between botox and fillers?

Dr K: Botox and dermal fillers do different things but can be used in complementary fashion. Botox is a muscle relaxer and dermal fillers, as their name implies fill lines or can be used to add volume. Botox is injected into the muscles that cause wrinkles and relaxes them to reduce the signs of ageing. Dermal facial fillers, on the other hand, are used to add volume to the skin and lips to hydrate and plump. Botox lasts up to 6-9 months whilst fillers last between 12-18 months depending on the area and type used.

YSV: As a London-based girl boss, where do you go to enjoy your free time? If you have any that is!

Dr K:Ideally, I would like to expand and build the Dr Krystyna clinic and brand itself in the London, Surrey and Essex areas. I aim to become an approachable and trustworthy name which provides clients easy accessibility to the treatments they desire.